These ships are very similar to the Malaysian Leiku class - apart from a difference in main gun caliber, they carry the exact same weapon systems.

The Leikus are a bit longer, primarily due to a helicopter hanger, and the electronics fit is probably different, but overall, these should be a good buy for the Malaysians, who in mid-2006 approached BAe for 2 more Leikus.

In fact, considering the good defence ties Brunei has with both Singapore and Malaysia, I'm surprised that the Royal Brunei Navy didn't train crews with the Singapore or Malaysian navies - both of which have modern warships. I don't buy the 'low education' angle either, as there's plenty of overseas educated Bruneians, after all. Granted, there's a big education gulf between the city and rural dwellers, but 300 recruits shouldn't be all that hard to find.

This situation seems to stem from a lack of foresight in establishing a training cadre prior to the delivery of these ships. The ships were ordered in 1995 and launched between 2001to 2003. That's at least 6 years to implement a recruitment/training program.

Oh, and Brunei does need more 'weatherly' and sophisticated warships.. they have a small slice of the Spratly Islands dispute, and then there's all those lovely oil rigs sitting offshore. An OPV with a couple of Exocets won't do much good when matched against a PLAN Sovremenny class destroyer.

I am surprised ships are still being fitted with Sea Wolf, a highly capable but aging missile at over 25 years old. The same launchers can be configured to fire the much newer (and I expect more capable) MICA missile.

I am surprised ships are still being fitted with Sea Wolf, a highly capable but aging missile at over 25 years old. The same launchers can be configured to fire the much newer (and I expect more capable) MICA missile.